Symbolism And Identity `` Miraculous Images ``...

Materiality and Identity Megan Holmes’s â€Å"Miraculous Images in Renaissance Florence† examines many of the ramifications of materiality. The materiality, an image’s physical properties, has direct impacts on the expression and popularity of immagini miracolose. These sacred images are subjects of miracles throughout the late 13th to 16th centuries. Two of the most important ramifications of materiality include the accessibility of the religious images and manifestation of the miracles. In this essay, I will explain how the physical properties of immagini miracolose create an approachable atmosphere to religious figures for the common people and how the physical properties directly influence the ways in which miracles manifest. By framing†¦show more content†¦Those expensive or delicate images are less likely to be seen by the commoners and, therefore, less likely to be claimed miraculous by large groups. The commoners and large groups often never witness the religious images in wealthy families’ chapels. Miraculous images appear in the main thoroughfares surrounding a church or the main hallways of the church. The commoners pass imposing churches and cathedrals daily, and the buildings and their artwork are likely to become landmarks. Kevin Lynch’s ideas of landmarks best describe the importance of this designation. A landmark is memorable in distinction and importance to an observer, and this memory will add to the description of a community to an outsider. A religious image as a landmark becomes an interconnected symbol of the city or particular social group. Religious images at intersecting points or entrances are also likely to be nodes, an even more important aspect of space described by Lynch. Nodes were locations of decision-making. Worshippers pause at intersections of streets or of church hallways to remember a purpose or location. Miraculous images at nodes were subject to both religious and personal reflection. This personal reflection on the miraculous images and the group reflection of image cults help to form the identities of the plebeian worshippers. The reactions of corporate identities have further complications for the